Shohei Ohtani Marks Dramatic Return: First Live Batters Since Elbow Surgery Ignite Speculation on His MLB Comeback
Shohei Ohtani stepping back onto the mound to face live hitters for the first time since his 2023 elbow surgery? Yeah, that’s the kind of news that’s been eagerly awaited in baseball circles and beyond. This latest throwing session on Sunday marks a crucial milestone on his road back to becoming the one-of-a-kind two-way sensation we all admired—the same guy who shook the baseball world during free agency by signing an eye-popping $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Watching Ohtani grip the ball, fire 22 pitches through a handful of at-bats, and notch a couple of strikeouts is more than just a routine workout; it’s a powerful statement that he’s inching closer to reclaiming his top form. Between throws to teammates Hyeseong Kim and Dalton Rushing, and some reassuring chats with coach J.T. Watkins, you could sense the energy in the air—he’s testing the waters but still got that itch to dominate again. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior’s observation of Ohtani’s fastballs cruising in the mid-90s and the addition of some breaking balls paints an encouraging picture. Yet, even with all this progress, the exact timing of Ohtani’s full return remains a mystery. With key pitchers sidelined due to injury, the Dodgers sure could use his magic sooner rather than later—but as everyone knows, patience is part of the game. Curious to dive deeper into this unfolding comeback story? LEARN MORE
Shohei Ohtani faced live batters in a throwing session Sunday afternoon for the first time since his 2023 elbow surgery. That checked off another important box in his path to returning to pitching and again becoming the two-way superstar who earned a $700 million contract in free agency.
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